Newsroom

The hub for news related to all 500 Festival events & programs

Welcome to the 500 Festival newsroom – your hub for news related to all 500 Festival events and programs. The newsroom will provide you with media resources including press releases, downloadable photos, and videos, and how to request media credentials. Logos for the 500 Festival are available upon request.

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Press Releases    500 Festival Blogs    Photos & Video

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Media Contact

Lindsay Labas, Vice President, Marketing & Communications
317.614.6141 | llabas@500festival.com

 

Media Credentials

There’s nothing quite like the Month of May in Indianapolis! We hope can join us at our events and programs.

Request Media Credentials

Requests may be submitted all at once or at least 2 weeks prior to each event listed.

Credential Guidelines

  1. A media credential does not mean “all access.” Pay close attention to your credential and the instructions provided with them.
  2. Due to existing contractual agreements, there are restrictions on live broadcasts of some 500 Festival events.
  3. Photos may not be sold or used for advertorial purposes.
  4. Media credentials do not permit access on the running course or into athlete start and finish areas.
  5. Credential pick-up, event schedules, and further details will be sent out at least one week before each event. You are responsible for picking up your credential(s) at the 500 Festival Office Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  6. The 500 Festival holds the right to approve, deny or revoke any and all assigned credentials.
  7. Credentials are assigned per person, and should not be transferred to another media member or non-media persons, or they will be revoked.
  8. Freelance journalists may be asked to submit a printed copy or tape of their most recent coverage.
  9. Media must wear their credentials and carry valid photo identification when covering 500 Festival events.
  10. By requesting a media credential, you agree to all terms and conditions set forth.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Any requests to cover events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Snake Pit, Indy 500, qualifications, Carb Day, etc.) must be submitted to IMS directly, HERE. The 500 Festival does not handle their requests.

Press Releases

September 14, 2023

Applications Open for 2024 500 Festival Princess Program, presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis 

The 500 Festival is now accepting applications for the 2024 500 Festival Princess Program, presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis. Applications are available at 500Festival.com/Princess and the deadline to apply is January 7, 2024, at 11:59 pm EST.    The 500 Festival Princes Program celebrates Indiana college-age women who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, community …

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September 8, 2023

500 Festival Announces New Board Members and Elected Officers for 2023-2024 

The 500 Festival announces elected officers for the 2023-2024 500 Festival Board of Directors, in addition to seven new civic and business leaders who are appointed.  Serving as the governing body of the 500 Festival, the board of directors is comprised of 33 community leaders. The board guides the strategic vision of the 500 Festival …

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August 29, 2023

500 Festival Intern Applications Open

Students to Gain Inside Look at Month of May and Exceptional Learning Experience INDIANAPOLIS (August 29, 2023) – The 500 Festival is now accepting intern applications. College-age students who would like to assist in the planning and execution of 50+ community-based events and programs, which impact over half a million people each year, are encouraged …

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August 8, 2023

Calling All Teachers & Group Organizers! Registration Now Open for 2024 500 Festival KidsFit Program 

INDIANAPOLIS – The 500 Festival announces that registration is open for the 500 Festival KidsFit Program for the 2023-2024 school year. In its 10th year, this free and customizable program is available to Indiana schools and groups grades K-6 and teaches youth how to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle through a mix of running …

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August 2, 2023

Registration Opens for 2024 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Indiana University Health 

Students to explore the history of the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500 through unique activities and educational lessons    INDIANAPOLIS (July 17, 2023) – The 500 Festival announces that registration is open for the 2024 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Indiana University Health. The Education Program takes place during the …

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June 1, 2023

Registration Open for Indianapolis 500 Mile and Gasoline Alley 250 Mile Challenges, benefiting the 500 Festival

Participants challenged to complete 250 or 500 miles of physical activity over a course of about three months     INDIANAPOLIS (June 1, 2023) – The 500 Festival today announces the return of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge and the Gasoline Alley 250 Mile Challenge, benefiting the 500 Festival. These virtual fitness challenges allow participants to …

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May 30, 2023

Winners Announced from 2023 500 Festival Employee Wellness Challenge, presented by Aon 

The 500 Festival today announces the winning teams of the 2023 Employee Wellness Challenge for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K.  The 500 Festival Employee Wellness Challenge, presented by Aon, gets Hoosiers up and moving to create a healthier Indiana. The Employee Wellness Challenge promotes wellness, team building, a healthy …

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May 25, 2023

500 Festival Announces 2023 AES 500 Festival Parade Float Awards

The 500 Festival today announces the float award winners for the 2023 AES 500 Festival Parade. Floats were judged on several different criteria and were evaluated by a panel of judges. The floats are awarded for recognition and tradition as no monetary prizes are given. This annual and fun competition brings prestige to the AES …

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May 20, 2023

Mykah Coleman Announced as the 2023 500 Festival Queen Scholar 

The 500 Festival today announced that Mykah Coleman of Indianapolis, IN, has been named the 2023 500 Festival Queen Scholar. The announcement was made at the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc., event held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Coleman is a junior at Marian University and pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. She is actively involved in …

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May 18, 2023

500 Festival Announces Winners of 2023 Essay Contest and Best Classroom Contest for the 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Indiana University Health   

23,344 Hoosier fourth graders participated in the 2023 program    The 500 Festival, today announces the winners of its essay contest and best classroom contest for the 2023 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Indiana University Health. This year, 23,344 Indiana fourth-grade students took part in the Education Program.     The …

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